Labour MPs break ranks to signal support for Theresa May’s Brexit deal
2 min read
Up to 15 Labour MPs could defy Jeremy Corbyn and back Theresa May’s Brexit deal in a Commons vote, it has emerged.
According to the Independent, the rebel MPs have indicated that they would support the Government if the alternative meant Britain crashing out of the EU without a deal.
Labour has all-but confimed that its MPs will be whipped to vote against any deal that the Prime Minister brings to the Commons, arguing that it will not pass the six economic tests the party has laid down.
At last month's Labour conference, Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir said: “If Theresa May brings back a deal that fails our tests – and that looks increasingly likely - Labour will vote against it. No ifs, no buts.”
But in a challenge to Jeremy Corbyn, some Labour backbenchers from Leave-voting seats have broken ranks to say they would vote for a deal.
Stoke Central MP Gareth Snell said: “If the deal is some sort of customs union, protection of the unity of the union and looking at a future trade deal, it would be very hard to justify why we’re not supporting that.”
Ruth Smeeth, the MP for neighbouring Stoke North, added: “If the option is voting for the deal or voting for something that would mean no deal – well, I’m not prepared to vote for no-deal.”
And Don Valley MP Caroline Flint said: “I believe if there is a reasonable deal that stops us crashing out with no deal, we shouldn’t rule it out.”
Brexit-backing Labour MPs such as Kate Hoey and Frank Field could also rebel against their party's leadership to back Mrs May.
However, senior party sources insisted they did not recognise suggestions that as many as 15 Labour MPs could rebel.
They said: "Even if they did, that wouldn't be enough to pass it if May can't get the DUP on board."
The Government looks set to face a sizable rebellion from its own backbenches, with Brexiteers indicating that up to 40 Eurosceptics could vote down Mrs May’s Chequers deal.
The DUP has also threatened to withdraw its support for the Prime Minister in the crucial vote if the final agreement imposes different rules on Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK.
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